accelerated masters program psychologyIn this ranking, we profile the top 30 affordable accelerated online master’s in psychology programs of 2021.

Earning an accelerated master’s in psychology online means graduating earlier. Accelerated programs shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. Often, accelerated programs are shorter than traditional programs. While accelerated online master’s in psychology programs are available, they are not easy to complete. Courses are fast-paced and rigorous. But if your goal is to earn a graduate degree in less than two years, accelerated options are available.

Featured Programs

30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 177 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered accelerated master’s in psychology online programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools to find 30 top accelerated master’s in psychology online programs by applying the following criteria: accreditation, accelerated degree offerings (completion time of less than two years), and institution rankings with at least one major publication. For this article, we focused attention on rankings with U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the top 30 accelerated master’s in psychology online programs according to raw affordability.

Below are the results for our top 30 affordable accelerated master’s in psychology online programs for 2021.

Ranking the Cheapest Fastest Online Psychology Master’s Programs

#30 – California Southern University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Costa Mesa, California

Website

California Southern University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Transfer credits accepted! California Southern University’s accelerated master’s in psychology online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,890

California Southern University offers an accelerated master’s in psychology online program that consists of 42 credits, which can be completed in two to three years. The school accepts up to six transfer credits, which may shorten the completion time. Required courses cover topics in psychology like advanced ethical and professional issues in addiction counseling, advanced therapeutic boundaries, and counseling theories and strategies. Emphasis areas are also available and allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals. Students may earn an MS with an emphasis in advanced addiction studies, industrial and organizational psychology, pastoral counseling, or sport psychology. Cal Southern ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

#29 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Online Master’s in Psychology

Chicago, Illinois

Website

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Part- and full-time options available! Accelerated online psychology degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,934

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers online master’s in psychology programs for full-time and part-time students. For accelerated options, full-time status is necessary. While enrolled full-time, students take advantage of the short completion time. Completion times include one-year for full-time status and two years for part-time students. The program emphasizes applied behavior analysis and leads to an ABA concentration upon completion. Courses cover topics like concepts and principles in behavior analysis, observation and measurement, and professional ethics and issues. In addition to being fully accredited, The Chicago School ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#28 – Medaille College

Online Master’s in Psychology

Buffalo, New York

Website

Medaille College - 30 Affordable Accelerated Masters in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Medaille College – a top choice for affordable and accelerated online psychology degrees.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,251

Medaille College’s accelerated master’s in psychology online degree program offers one of the shortest completion times on our list. In just one year, students complete 36 credits. Earning a master’s degree in one year is possible with the option of taking one to four classes each semester. Each course runs seven weeks in length, making it possible to finish a course quickly before beginning another. Also, the degree offers an optional concentration for those interested in sports psychology. Advanced psychology courses cover topics like biological basis of behavior, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Medaille ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 136th-176th best regional university in the North.

#27 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Southern New Hampshire University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Ranked and affordable! SNHU’s accelerated master’s in psychology online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

The accelerated master’s in psychology online degree program at Southern New Hampshire University is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in psychology. The program offers three specialized concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree to fit with career interests and goals. Concentrations include child and adolescent development psychology, forensic psychology, and industrial organizational psychology. Adding to the accelerated format, the program accepts up to 12 transfer credits that give students an edge on completion time. SNHU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the #1 most innovative school, 75th best regional university in the North, and 71st best value institution.

#26 – LeTourneau University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Longview, Texas

Website

LeTourneau University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Ranked and affordable! LeTourneau’s accelerated online master’s in psychology program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,618

The accelerated master’s in psychology online program at LeTourneau University is designed to prepare students to provide holistic, Christ-centered care for others. Delivery is completely online and the program is made up of 39 credits. Emphasis is placed on developing undergraduate studies with a focus in the field of psychology. Students hone their research skills, explore areas of interest, and become engaged learners. Required courses cover topics like counseling skills and techniques, family assessment, group counseling methods, and integrative theory for counselors. LeTourneau ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 26th best regional university in the West and 15th best value school.

#25 – Northcentral University

Online Master’s in Psychology

La Jolla, California

Website

Northcentral University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Finish in just 18 months! Northcentral University’s accelerated master’s in psychology online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,095

At Northcentral University, graduate students have the option of earning an online master’s in psychology. The accelerated program prepares students with knowledge in human behavior as they learn critical thinking, research, and writing skills. A total of 10-12 courses are required for completion of the degree. These courses and requirements take 18 months to complete, making Northcentral’s psychology degree an accelerated online program. In addition to the quick completion time, the program offers four specialization areas. Specializations allow students to tailor their degree toward interests and career goals. These specializations include applied behavior analysis, gender and sexual fluidity, general psychology, and sport psychology.

#24 – Divine Mercy University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Sterling, Virginia

Website

Divine Mercy University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
100% online! Divine Mercy’s accelerated master’s in psychology online degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,153

The online master’s in psychology degree at Divine Mercy University consists of 36 credits and 100 percent online courses. While the program is designed to take approximately two years to complete, transfer credit can shorten the duration of time. Also, full- and part-time enrollment allows students to work at their own pace, shortening or lengthening completion time as needed. Courses cover advanced psychology topics like common psychological problems and their treatment, human growth and development across the lifespan, leading people and programs, and statistical analysis for psychology and the social sciences. Divine Mercy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and recognized among the top health schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#23 – Regent University

Online Master’s in School Counseling

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website

Regent University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
CACREP-accredited! Regent University – a top choice for accelerated online psychology programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,952

The CACREP-accredited and accelerated master’s in school counseling online program at Regent University offers an alternative to the study of psychology. Specifically, the online master’s in school counseling is an ideal program for educators seeking advanced skills they can take to a school environment. Courses, delivered completely online, cover advanced topics like counseling children and adolescents, principles of school counseling, and program development and evaluation for school counselors. In addition to being CACREP-accredited, Regent ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university and 113th top performer on social mobility. The school offers affordable and accelerated online programs.

#22 – Mercy College

Online Master’s in Psychology

Dobbs Ferry, New York

Website

Mercy College - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Mercy College’s online master’s in psychology offers full-time and part-time options.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,806

Mercy College’s accelerated master’s in psychology online degree program is designed to provide graduate education in psychology for those seeking leadership positions in this vast field. The program consists of 36 credits, which can be earned entirely online. Courses are taught by Mercy’s experienced faculty and cover topics like contemporary theories in psychology, group experience, physiological psychology, and professional issues and ethics. Both full- and part-time completion options are available, adding to the flexibility of the program. Also, Mercy ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Mercy ranks #136-#176 in best regional universities in the North and #17 in top performers on social mobility.

#21 – National University

Online Master’s in Psychology

La Jolla, California

Website

National University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Fully accredited and highly flexible! National University’s online master’s in psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480

National University offers an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree program with flexible four-week classes. Course structure and format allows students to earn their degree sooner than a traditional master’s degree. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by National University’s experienced faculty. There are several psychology degree options available at National, including master’s programs in counseling psychology, human behavior, and performance psychology. Admission to any of the psychology programs can occur year-round, as the school reviews applications all year. In addition to being fully accredited, National ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#20 – Lynn University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Boca Raton, Florida

Website

Lynn University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Affordability! The fast-paced psychology degree from Lynn University is ranked and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,420

Lynn University’s online master’s in psychology program is designed for individuals working full-time or loaded with family obligations. The program is flexibly designed to accommodate busy students seeking an advanced psychology degree online. Courses cover topics in advanced social, industrial, and organizational psychology; leadership and management of organizations; and research and program evaluation. Courses move at a rigorous pace but with the convenience of learning online. Lynn is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Lynn ranks #53 in best regional universities in the South and #55 in best value schools.

#19 – California University of Pennsylvania

Online Master’s in Sport Psychology

California, Pennsylvania

Website

California University of Pennsylvania - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Earn an accelerated online master’s in sport psychology in 12 months at California University of Pennsylvania.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,919

California University of Pennsylvania offers accelerated online psychology programs, including a master’s in sport psychology. To prepare for a niche career in sport psychology, students earn an MS degree in exercise science and health promotion with a sport psychology concentration. With full-time study, students may earn their accelerated degree in just 12 months. Part-time study takes longer, though shorter than most traditional programs. Most part-time students earn their degree in 17 months. Courses cover topics like business and entrepreneurship in the fitness industry, essentials of human movement science, leadership and professional development, nutrition and peak performance, and research in sport psychology. California University is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, rankings include #136-#176 in best regional universities in the North and #50-#62 in top public schools.

#18 – University of Northern Colorado

Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Greeley, Colorado

Website

University of Northern Colorado - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Study educational psychology online at University of Northern Colorado.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,894

The 30-credit online master’s in psychology (educational psychology) at University of Northern Colorado is an accelerated psychology program that takes 19 months to complete. By taking two courses back-to-back in two eight-week sessions, students earn their degree in less time required for a traditional master’s degree. Courses cover topics like cultural issues in educational psychology, educational assessment, educational psychology for teachers, and motivation in education. The school is fully accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities and #154-#209 in top public schools. University of Colorado also ranks as one of the most affordable schools on our list.

#17 – Arizona State University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Arizona State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
ASU’s online master’s in psychology moves at an accelerated pace.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,608

At Arizona State University, students may earn an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree for less than $13,000 per year. This fully online program consists of 12 classes that run 7.5 weeks in length. Courses are taught by ASU faculty and cover topics like professional issues in psychology, quantitative analysis, and research methods. A culminating project (capstone in general psychology) is also required for the completion of the degree. To be admitted to ASU’s online master’s in psychology program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must also have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and offer two letters of recommendation. Most recent 2021 rankings for ASU include #103 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#16 – National Louis University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Chicago, Illinois

Website

National Louis University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
The accelerated master’s in psychology online degree at NLU takes 19.5 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,095

National Louis University’s online psychology programs include the MA in psychology. The graduate psychology program is designed to prepare students for careers in psychology through online coursework and advanced study. Considered to be an accelerated program, the master’s in psychology takes less than two years to complete. In fact, the average completion time is 19.5 months. In addition to advanced study and flexible course schedules, the program offers several concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree. These concentrations include community psychology, general psychology, psychological assessment, and teaching of psychology. NLU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university in the country.

#15 – University of Missouri

Online M.Ed. in Educational Psychology

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

University of Missouri - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
University of Missouri offers an accelerated master’s in educational psychology!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,007

Looking for an education degree that’s part of an online master’s in psychology program? University of Missouri may have exactly what you’re searching for. The online M.Ed. in educational psychology is an affordable and accelerated program that takes 12-18 months to complete. Courses cover topics like educational psychology, foundations of school psychology, life span – individual and family development, mental health and development of children and youth, psychology of early childhood development, and statistical analysis for education research. University of Missouri is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, University of Missouri ranks #124 in best national universities and #85 in best value schools.

Featured Programs

#14 – Ottawa University

Online Master’s in Counseling

Ottawa, Kansas

Website

Ottawa University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Earn an online master’s in counseling at Ottawa University! Six available concentrations!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,770

Ottawa University offers a uniquely designed psychology program that emphasizes counseling for careers in various settings. The program can help students meet the educational requirements in Arizona for licensure as an associate counselor. With six available concentrations, students may gain a deeper understanding of specialty areas in the field. Also, adding to the program’s flexibility, students may be eligible to waive practicum requirements and substitute approved electives if they are licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavior Health Examiners and have two years of work experience as a substance abuse counselor. Ottawa is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 49th best regional college in the Midwest.

#13 – Bellevue University

Online Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Bellevue University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Bellevue University – a top choice for an accelerated master’s in psychology online.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,205

At Bellevue University, students may earn an online master’s in psychology degree that emphasizes industrial and organizational psychology. The program is delivered 100% online and considered to be an accelerated degree due to its quick completion time. The program consists of 36 credits and covers advanced psychology topics like applied research methods, job analysis and performance appraisal, and personnel selection. To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. GPA requirements (2.50 minimum) are also enforced. Bellevue ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 119th-156th best regional university in the Midwest.

#12 – Grand Canyon University

Online Master’s in Forensic Psychology

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Grand Canyon University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
GCU’s online master’s in forensic psychology is one of the few of its kind.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,074

The accelerated master’s in psychology online program at Grand Canyon University offers a study in forensic psychology for those interested in working within the criminal justice system. The 36-credit program offers quick-paced courses that run eight weeks in length. Online courses cover topics like offender rehabilitation and reintegration, psychology and the legal system, social and cultural psychology, and theories of criminal behavior. In addition to coursework, students are required to complete a professional capstone prior to graduation. Grand Canyon University has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, GCU ranks #298-#389 in best national universities and #39 in top performers on social mobility.

#11 – Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Richmond, Kentucky

Website

Eastern Kentucky University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Prep for BCBA certification! EKU’s online master’s in psychology program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,450

Eastern Kentucky University offers an online master’s in psychology that consists of 33 credits and accepts up to 12 transfer credits. The accelerated psychology program offers eight-week classes that move at a rigorous pace. For those interested in pursuing certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the program meets all educational requirements for testing. Online courses cover topics like behavior analysis, behavioral research and measurement, ethics and professional conduct in ABA, introductory foundations and principles in ABA, and statistics and research design. In addition to accreditation, EKU offers rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #51 in best regional universities in the South.

#10 – Ball State University

Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Muncie, Indiana

Website

Ball State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Ball State University – a leader in delivering online master’s programs like the online psychology degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,512

Ball State University offers an affordable and accelerated online master’s in educational psychology. Accelerated options allow students to complete their master’s program in 18 months when enrolled part-time or in less than one year if a full course load is taken each term. The online master’s program features specializations that allow students to tailor their degree to align with career goals and interests. There are five specializations offered at Ball State, including applied behavior analysis, gifted and talented, human development, and neuropsychology. The fifth specialization is a customizable option that allows students to further explore interests. Ball State is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 284th best national university.

#9 – University of Louisiana

Online Master’s in Counseling

Monroe, Louisiana

Website

University of Louisiana - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Ranked and accelerated! ULM’s online psychology degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,239

University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM Online) offers a uniquely designed master’s in counseling degree for individuals interested in the bridge between counseling and psychology. Two concentrations are available for students to tailor their degree toward career goals. Specializations include clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. The school counseling options prepares graduate students for careers as school counselors at elementary or secondary school settings. Other career options for graduates of this program include consultants, higher education counselors, school administrators, or vocation counselors. ULM’s School of Health Profession’s Counseling Programs are CACREP-accredited. Also, ULM ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#8 – Liberty University

Online Master’s in Applied Psychology

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Liberty University’s online master’s in applied psychology takes 1.5 years to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,400

Liberty University offers an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree that is both affordable and flexible. Through online course delivery, working students benefit from the convenient structure and schedule. The program offers eight-week classes and takes approximately 1.5 years to complete. Also, students may transfer up to 50% of the degree total, cutting completion time even further. Specialization options are also available and allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest like developmental psychology and industrial and organizational psychology. In addition to being accredited, the private Christian institution has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. Recent rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities and #340 in top performers on social mobility.

#7 – McNeese State University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Website

McNeese State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
McNeese State University offers an affordable master’s in psychology online program with three concentrations.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,120

McNeese State University offers an affordable master’s in psychology online program with three areas of concentration. Not only do students earn a graduate degree in psychology, but can hone their skills toward areas of interest. Graduate concentrations include applied behavior analysis, counseling psychology, and general and experimental psychology. Upon completion of required courses, students finish their experience through either an internship or a thesis. McNeese State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 94th best regional university in the South and 44th top public school in the country. Several of the school’s online graduate programs have also earned top rankings.

#6 – The University of Texas

Online Master’s in School Counseling

Tyler, Texas

Website

The University of Texas - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Earn a degree in school counseling online at UT Tyler!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,578

The University of Texas at Tyler offers accelerated psychology programs, including the master’s in psychology and counseling. By completing online coursework, students earn a master’s degree in less than two years. Courses cover advanced psychology and counseling topics applicable to the school counseling setting. These courses include counseling theories and applications, cultural diversity and advocacy, foundations and ethics of school counseling, mental health in schools, and research and program evaluation. UT Tyler is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities, #174 in top performers on social mobility, and #154-#209 in top public schools.

#5 – Saint Leo University

Online Master’s in Psychology

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Saint Leo University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Ranked and accredited! Saint Leo University’s online master’s in psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,296

Saint Leo University’s online master’s in psychology is a rigorous program that can be completed at an accelerated pace. In fact, most graduate students earn their online degree in less than two years. Students earning their online master’s in psychology take a number of required courses that explore contemporary topics in the field. These courses include advanced social psychology, diversity and ethics, history and systems of psychology, lifespan development, and physiological psychology. In addition to being accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Saint Leo ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Saint Leo ranks #26 in best regional universities in the South.

#4 – University of West Alabama

Online Master’s in Experimental Psychology

Livingston, Alabama

Website

University of West Alabama - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Takes less than two years! University of West Alabama’s accelerated master’s in psychology online degree.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,868

The University of West Alabama offers an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree that promises a solid foundation in psychology-based statistics and research. With eight-week, fast-paced courses, students finish their accelerated degree in one to two years, much quicker than the typical time it takes to earn a traditional master’s degree. Classes are delivered online and cover topics relevant to the field. Course topics include advanced cognitive psychology, advanced developmental psychology, research methods and evaluation, and theories of personality. University of West Alabama ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, UWA ranks #103-#133 in top regional universities in the South.

#3 – Angelo State University

Online Master’s in Counseling Psychology

San Angelo, Texas

Website

Angelo State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Online eight-week classes! Angelo State University’s online master’s in counseling psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,859

Angelo State University offers one of the most affordable accelerated psychology programs on our list. The fully online degree is CAEP-accredited and offers online eight-week classes that allow students to earn their master’s degree in less than two years. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is eligible to apply to the program. However, applicants must have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA during their undergraduate studies. Online courses are taught by Angelo State’s experienced faculty and cover a range of relevant topics. These courses include core concepts in psychological science, research design and analysis, research methods, and theories of counseling and psychotherapy. In addition to being fully accredited, Angelo State ranks #91 in best regional universities in the West.

#2 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Online Master’s in School Counseling

Durant, Oklahoma

Website

Southeastern Oklahoma State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
Finish in just 12 months! Southeastern Oklahoma’s online master’s in school counseling.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,022

The affordable and accelerated master’s in psychology online degree programs at Southeastern Oklahoma State University include the master’s in school counseling. The accelerated degree takes just 12 months to finish, making it one of the quickest degrees on our list. In addition to being one of the shortest programs, Southeastern Oklahoma’s counseling degree ranks among the most affordable. While earning the 42 credits required for completion, students take courses that cover topics like assessment in counseling, career counseling and development, and research in counseling. SOSU ranks with all major publications, including U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current U.S. News rankings include #95-#124 in best regional universities in the West.

#1 – Fort Hays State University

Online Master’s in School Psychology

Hays, Kansas

Website

Fort Hays State University - 30 Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Online Programs 2021
#1 most affordable accelerated master’s in psychology online program – Fort Hays State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,356

Fort Hays State University offers the most affordable accelerated master’s in psychology online program on our list. For less than $5,000 per year, graduate students may earn a degree in school psychology that prepares them for entry into the profession. The master’s degree requires the completion of 30 credit hours as well as the completion of the education specialist in school psychology program (36 hours). Upon completion of the education specialist program, students become eligible for conditional licensure as a Kansas school psychologist. Courses cover topics like behavior therapy, developmental psychology, and professional ethics in psychology. Fort Hays State is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 112th best regional university in the Midwest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree?

Individuals with an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree qualify for work as a psychologist in a variety of settings. There are several types of psychologists, which we detail below to give you a better idea of what psychologists do:

Clinical psychologists: A clinical psychologist diagnoses and treats mental health and behavior disorders. These highly trained psychologists work directly with patients and often work in private practice. Some clinical specialists work exclusively with certain groups of people, such as children, adolescents, the elderly, or victims of abuse. In some states, clinical psychologists are allowed to prescribe medication to patients.

Developmental psychologists: Developmental psychologists examine the psychological progress and development throughout an individual’s life. Often, these specialized psychologists study aging and problems faced by the elderly population.

Forensic psychologists: Forensic psychologists work directly with the legal system to assist attorneys, judges, and legal specialists in solving criminal cases.

Industrial psychologists: Also referred to as organizational psychologists, industrial psychologists apply psychology principles within the workplace. Their goal is to improve employee morale and the overall work-life dynamic.

School counselors or psychologists: As their title indicates, school psychologists work in school settings to assist students with psychological and behavioral issues. The school counselor often works closely with parents, teachers, and administration to suggest improvements for the student population as a whole or the individual student.

What is the job outlook for individuals with accelerated master’s in psychology online degrees?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028. That’s a decade of favorable job growth for this profession. BLS also reports that job prospects will be the most favorable for individuals with advanced degrees, such as the master’s in psychology or doctoral degrees in an applied specialty.

Employment growth is contingent on industry. For instance, employment of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists should experience growth due to the increase in demand for psychological services in areas such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and social services agencies. Specifically, in schools, psychologists will be needed as awareness of mental health importance increases. Psychologists, especially those with niche expertise, will be in demand in schools. Psychologists with skills in learning disabilities and special needs should find ample job opportunities.

Also, as organizations increase mental health awareness for their employees, psychologists will be needed to assist with these efforts. However, competition for psychologist jobs will be fierce, as more qualified students graduate from competitive programs. Candidates with advanced degrees and specializations in psychology should have the best job opportunities. Individuals with quantitative research skills and work experience should gain a competitive edge.

How much money can I earn with an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for psychologists in May 2018 was $79,010. The lowest ten percent of all psychologists earned less than $43,800 and the highest ten percent earned more than $129,250. BLS also reports the top industries in which these psychologists worked and their corresponding salaries. The top-paying industries are as follows:

Psychologists working in government agencies earned $96,410 as a median annual wage. Hospitals–local, regional, state, and private medical facilities–paid psychologists a median annual wage of $86,530. The next highest paying industry, ambulatory healthcare services, paid psychologists $79,180 on average. The last high paying industry was elementary and secondary schools, which paid their psychologists on average a median annual wage of $75,890.

With an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree, qualifying for high-paying psychologist jobs is more likely than without an advanced degree. Psychologist job openings receive competitive applicants. To set yourself apart from your competition, advanced study is recommended. Earning a master’s in psychology with a specialization in a niche area, such as behavior analysis, gifted learning, or learning disabilities helps you to remain highly competitive when seeking job opportunities. According to BLS, there will be better opportunities for psychologists who specialize in working with elderly populations and in rehabilitation services over the next several years, as this population of people increases in size.

How long does it take to earn an accelerated master’s in psychology online degree?

In general, accelerated master’s programs are shorter than traditional, two-year master’s degree programs. As we evaluated several master’s in psychology online degree programs, we found that time to completion varies by school and program. However, the average online master’s in psychology program on our list takes 16-18 months.

Accelerated programs cut the time required to earn a master’s degree. How does this occur? In many of the programs on our list, rigorous and fast-paced courses cut the time required. Instead of taking sixteen-week courses that stretch over one semester, students take one or two eight-week classes. This means students enrolled in accelerated master’s in psychology online programs take multiple courses each semester. As a result, the completion time is often cut in half.

Another way master’s degree programs cut the completion time for students and adhere to an accelerated pace is through the acceptance of transfer credits. Accelerated master’s in psychology online programs that accept transfer credits allow students to skip taking foundation or core courses as they have already done so. Most of the programs on our list accepted up to six transfer credits.

The shortest accelerated master’s in psychology online program on our list allowed students to earn their degree in 11 months, while the longest took just under two years.

What are the common admission requirements for accelerated psychology master’s programs online?

Admission requirements for accelerated master’s in psychology online programs vary by school. However, many programs on our list asked for similar admission criteria. After a careful review of the top 25 accelerated programs, we found the following similarities:

Letters of recommendation: Most of the master’s in psychology online programs on our list ask for letters of recommendation when applying to the program.

Official transcripts: All schools and accelerated master’s in psychology online programs on our list require official transcripts from all academic work. Deadlines vary, so it is important to check your program’s calendar and allow enough time for your transcripts to be received.

Test scores: Overall, only the top programs require graduate test scores. When schools do ask for test scores, GRE or GMAT are the most commonly requested tests. Top programs ask for competitive scores.

Undergraduate degree: Nearly all of the accelerated psychology programs on our list ask that applicants hold an earned bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution. In some cases, schools may require that the degree come from a regionally accredited program. However, an undergraduate bachelor’s in psychology is not always required. Any discipline may satisfy degree requirements. There are a few programs on our list that do require that the bachelor’s degree be in psychology, counseling, or a closely related discipline.

As the above requirements vary by school and program, it is important to review admission criteria as you choose the right school and accelerated program for you.

BCO Staff
January 2021

This concludes our list of the top 30 accelerated master’s in psychology online programs of 2021.